UniversalParksBlog News for May 30th, 2022
Happy Memorial Day to all our American friends!
We’ve got some UniversalParksBlog news about your favorite theme parks that you’ll love, especially if you’re a fan of classic 1980s cinema!
Photo: Facebook/ Universal
The New Tribute Store
Are you too young to have lived through the Blockbuster Video era? If so, Universal Orlando Resort has opened a new store that will show you what Blockbuster was like.
Photo:blockbuster
Conversely, if you’re like me and used to wear out your Blockbuster card – they knew me by name – you’ll feel right at home at The Tribute Store.
This place celebrates classic 1980s cinema and even throws in some Jurassic Park stuff, too. Who’s gonna tell them that 1993 isn’t part of the 1980s? Not me!
Anyway, Universal will host this store/experience this summer and could feasibly extend it if the place proves popular enough. And I suspect it might.
Universal has divided the building into sections for Back to the Future, E.T., and Jaws. It doesn’t get any more 80s cinema than that.
I’m doing these alphabetically, but the Back to the Future room is technically Theater 3. However, it’s probably the last one you’ll encounter in the store due to the layout.
In the Back to the Future area, you’ll find the scale model of Hill Valley’s town square, the one seen in the film.
Photo: Universal
There’s also a giant remote control that looks like it could puppeteer a time-traveling DeLorean. Science stuff abounds in this area, so much so that you may briefly forget that you’re there to shop.
Perhaps the cheekiest tribute to the film is a series of clocks on the wall. However, the most recognizable one is the giant speaker from Marty McFly’s house. And it plays music at times!
More about the Universal Tribute Store
In the E.T. section, aka Theater 1, you’ll discover a loving tribute to Elliott’s bedroom in the film.
Photo: Universal
Along the way, you’ll also notice more E.T. stuffed animals and figurines than you have seen in your entire life. It feels like this stuff goes wall to wall.
There are other clever touches like a Speak & Say, Elliott’s desk (complete with 1980s music equipment), and several Reese’s Pieces strewn across the room.
The outer space theme also permeates throughout Theater 1, but it also shows off many of the most popular toys from the 1980s.
After all, Elliott was a kid at the time and had plenty of these toys!
Once you’re done exploring the outer space section, you’ll enter Theater 2, which takes place under the sea.
Photo: Universal
Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but it’s a Jaws set. So, most of the items here reflect nautical experiences.
You’ll find Quint’s workstation and “kitchen” authentically recreated here.
Newspaper clippings also suggest what’s happening to the locals, while a black and white television shows local programming and commercials.
This is a lovely touch because it’s actually the preshow video from the former Jaws attraction. Amazing, right?!
I should mention that arguably the best part of the experience occurs when you enter. Universal has themed the front to look like a movie theater, complete with a ticket window.
You’ll also find relevant movie posters from the era throughout the store. Friends, this place is spectacular, and you want to go there now!
Here’s our friend PCDev with a video of the store:
The Universal Halloween Horror Nights Update
Photo: Universal
Friends, tickets for the 2022 Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) events are now on sale! More importantly, the Express Pass just went on sale, too. This is not a drill!
You should strongly consider buying an Express Pass for your HHN date(s) because the event has exploded in popularity in recent years.
Now that the pandemic has mostly run its course, demand for the 2022 version should surpass anything we’ve witnessed before.
With an Express Pass, you guarantee that you will experience every house this year without waiting in line extensively.
Photo: Universal Orlando
I should warn you that prices have increased from last time. But, then again, what hasn’t recently?
Universal also revealed the first HHN house, Universal Monsters: Legends Collide. It’s obviously a celebration of Universal’s Classic Monsters.
Photo:skillastics.com
Oddly, the timing on this one nearly overlapped with the closure of Monsters Café, which strikes me as odd.
Universal has announced this house as “The Wolf Man vs. Dracula vs. The Mummy.”
haunted house announcement: it’s The Wolf Man vs. Dracula vs. The
Mummy. Ready to learn more sinister details? ➡️ https://t.co/RUanLJeLNA pic.twitter.com/CDm4kKXoZq— Halloween Horror Nights (@HorrorNightsORL) May 17, 2022
I’m putting $20 on The Wolf Man because I suspect that silver bullets are harder to come by than wooden stakes or Egyptian tombs.
Oh wait, they’re apparently joining forces to find an amulet that will save all three. So, we better destroy that amulet. Otherwise, this HHN will end in tears.
Photo: Facebook/Universal Monsters Universe
At Universal Studios Hollywood, park officials have announced the dates for this year’s HHN event:
come face-to-face with three Universal Monsters when #universalhhn returns on select nights from sept. 8 – oct. 31https://t.co/8U26PIPthu pic.twitter.com/7ss4EvTd8d
— Horror Nights (@HorrorNights) May 17, 2022
The fun begins on September 8th and lasts through Halloween night.
You’ll have 33 opportunities to experience this year’s event. It’s pretty much every Thursday-Sunday from September 8th until October 30th, plus Halloween.
Other Universal Updates
Photo: Universal
I’ve got some essential but disappointing news to share. For starters, the Superstar Parade at Universal Studios Florida will end on June 4th.
Generally, when stuff like this happens, you should expect a new, updated parade to replace the old one.
Photo: Universal
However, all that Universal has said about the closure is that this change “make(s) way for new entertainment experiences.” I, for one, would like more details than that.
Also, Shrek and Donkey will disappear from their character greeting on June 7th. This move shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Photo: Universal Orlando
The old Shrek 4D building has closed, and many insiders believe that a Despicable Me/Minions replacement is coming soon.
Photo: Spectrum News/Ashley Carter
So, Shrek and Donkey must relocate elsewhere in the park. You should expect a Minions character greeting to hold down the fort here long-term.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Finally, Univeral Studios passholders should be aware of Pass Member Park Takeover. This event occurs on June 8th.
So, the first few days of June appear eventful at the various Universal Studios theme parks!
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Feature Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
